THURMAN — Laura Marie (Lilly) Crews passed from earthly life into eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the age of 105 years.

She was born on October 12, 1911 in Milton, W. Va., to Jacob Ribe Lilly and Lou-Cindy (Wheeler) Lilly. Lou-Cindy died when Laura was only 4 years-old. When Laura was 7 years-old, her father built Laura a stool so she could reach the wood stove and table to cook and do dishes. Laura learned to cook by watching her grandmother, who used to cook in an open fireplace.

At 18, she married Basil Crews in West Virginia and then they moved to Ohio shortly afterwards. They lived in Ohio during the Great Depression. Basil had to trap animals for skins to sell since he was unable to find much work. Laura cooked whatever game animals Basil and sons Chester, Bobby and Eugene would bring home.

Laura always had a huge garden, and she could grow anything. She loved to have company come to her house, and she would cook and wait on her guests. Her home in Patriot was a popular meeting place for family and friends. Many people relied on her for comfort and good food.

Laura was known to have visions. On one occasion, she had a vision that a certain neighbor's bull had gotten stuck in a muddy ravine. Basil insisted that Laura was crazy, but later they heard that this neighbor had actually found a dead bull. Laura asked Basil where the bull was found, and Basil admitted the bull was found in a muddy ravine.

Laura had visions of heaven, and on many occasions proclaimed to the church that she had already seen heaven and knew where she was going. These visions had a dramatic effect on Laura's faith.

Laura provided haircuts to family members and many neighbors in Patriot. She provided these services for free. Some would come to Laura's house for haircuts and perms, but others invited Laura to do this at their homes.

Laura lived in Patriot, until 1998 when she broke her hip and was no longer able to live independently. Afterwards, she moved to Centerville (Thurman) to live with her daughter Wanda and son-in-law, Bob.

Laura participated in several Memorial Day parades in Centerville (Thurman) and was once the honorary grand marshal. She would show her patriotism by wearing red, white and blue and waving a little American flag.

In the years leading up to her 100th birthday, Laura wanted a big 100th birthday party. She got her wish with an open house and card shower. She wore a rhinestone tiara for the occasion, and there was a steady stream of visitors all day. 100 brightly-colored helium balloons were released into the sky as part of her celebration.

Even after she lost her mobility, she was known for her since of humor. During conversations, Laura would often get so tickled that she couldn't stop laughing. Everyone else would break out laughing because it was so funny to see her laugh uncontrollably.

Laura loved going to Faith Ministry Center in Jackson. She was also a vigilant prayer warrior and would spend many hours during her nights praying for numerous family members and friends.

Laura Marie (Lilly) Crews is survived by her children, Basil Eugene "Pete" Crews (Maude, deceased), Thurman, Edith "Edie" Brewer (James), Springfield, Wanda Terry (Robert), Thurman, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband Basil Crews, Patriot, and their children: infant daughter, Chester Crews (Carolyn, deceased and Alice, surviving and remarried) Gallipolis, Bobby Crews (Mary, surviving), Patriot.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday November 18, 2016 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastors Jack Hughes and Tony Conley officiating. Burial will follow in Patriot Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

Pallbearers will be: Randy Crews, Greg Terry, Pete Crews, Caleb Wisniewski, Dave Wisniewski and Rick Brewer. Honorary pallbearer will be Roger Crews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Faith Ministry Center 24 Walter Street, Jackson, Ohio 45640.

An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com